PLastic - Convenience or Danger...

Do you know about plastics? Are you aware of the basic components that your baby's sippy cup is made of? Do you read before you hand it to your child?

Some petroleum-based plastics leach harmful chemical into foods and drinks, especially when plastic comes in contact with oily or fatty foods, during heating and microwaving and when exposed to excessive moisture.

It is important to make wise choices.

Choose smart plastics (see icons below) and avoid putting them in the microwave (where they can release dangerous chemicals when heated) or the dishwasher (where they can degrade in the heat and excessive moisture).

Safer Choices:

Select safe plastics that use polyethylene (#1, #2, and #4) and polypropylene (#5), which require the use of less toxic additives. They also are non-chlorinated.

Avoid:

Avoid choosing products that use polyvinyl chloride (#3), polystyrene (#6), and polycarbonate (#7) which often are found in baby bottles or sippy cups.

Safety Checklist

• Be aware of plastic products in your child’s surroundings – squeeze toys, rattles, bath toys, cribs, teethers, pacifiers, high chairs, sippy cups, and baby bottles
• Avoid PVC products, like vinyl chew toys, which are identified with a “V” or “3.” If you can’t eliminate them all, then make sure they are cleaned regularly.
• Opt for toys and books made with natural wood, paper, cloth, or metal.
• Opt for plastic alternatives – glass, ceramic that’s lead-free, and stainless steel -- whenever possible.
• Use glass or ceramic containers to microwave food and beverages.
• Be cautious of cling wraps, especially for microwave use. Wrap foods in butcher paper, waxed paper, or paper towels. Or store food in glass or ceramic.
• Avoid using plastics that aren’t identified on the packaging.
• Look for products that state “no phthalates” or “no bisphenol A (BPA).”
• Wash plastic containers by hand with a mild soap.
  
  I hope that info will be useful for many moms that use plastic in their kitchens on the regular basis.
  We give our children sippy cups, and now please check what kind of plastic they are made of. Before you buy, check for these important numbers.
  Our website at www.strollernstuff.com offers lots of tips, info, resources, and buying guides regarding baby products, strollers, bassinets, and bicycle trailers.
  
  
  We also blog for www.babystrollerupdate.blogspot.com
  www.4baby.storeblogs.com
  www.bicycletrailerreview.blogspot.com